Braves' top prospect has shoulder strain

Graham was pitching on Monday for the Mississippi Braves in the Double-A Southern League, when he experienced discomfort in his upper back and shoulder. As a result, he was lifted from the game after two innings and was examined by a doctor in Mississippi.

When that evaluation came back without any strong conclusion, the Braves brought Graham to Atlanta to be examined by the team orthopedist. That meeting took place on Thursday, and there was no timetable set for next steps or Graham's return.

Graham, originally a fourth-round selection by the Braves in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, was named the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year during a first full season that saw him earn a promotion to Double-A. The Santa Clara product went 12-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 2012, keeping hitters to a .228 average while walking just 34 and striking out 110 over 148 total innings.

Including his two-inning stint on Monday, Graham has made eight starts with Mississippi in 2013, spanning 35 2/3 innings. The right-hander has a 4.04 ERA and .283 BAA thus far, having walked 10 and struck out 28 to date. After a relatively strong start to the season, Graham had scuffled a bit in May, posting a 5.84 ERA over three appearances.

Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com and writes a blog, B3. Follow @JonathanMayoB3 on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.